Debate Dr Mahathir, not each other, Umno presidential hopefuls told

Updated 7 years ago · Published on 22 Jun 2018 9:30AM · 9 Comments

Umno communications chief Annuar Musa says Umno elections are like a 'family affair' and should not be influenced by the opinions of non-party members. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, June 22, 2018.

UMNO presidential candidates should not cave in to pressure to hold public debates that will tear the party apart further, said party communications chief Annuar Musa, who instead proposed that the new party president debate Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad after the government’s first 100 days in office.

Annuar said that Umno elections were akin to a “family affair” and should not be influenced by the opinions of non-party members.

“I’m concerned with this populist trend and desire to excessively give in to external demands. Remember, if we go overboard, it will bring more bad than good to the party, more so as we are going through a big shock of losing power and status as the ruling party,” he said in a statement today.

Annuar said a public debate would be more appropriate if it was held between Dr Mahathir and the opposition leader.

“Umno is an opposition party. As far as I recall, not one opposition political party has had a public debate among their presidential candidates.

“If there should be a debate on issues that concern the people and country, I suggest we have an open debate between the government chief and opposition leader when the 100 days of Pakatan Harapan in power has passed… any takers?”

The debate between Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and party veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, who are both running for the top post, has been confirmed for June 29, and will be aired live on Astro Awani.

On Saturday, Tengku Razeleigh announced his candidacy after keeping party members guessing for weeks.

He will go up against interim Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Khairy, and four other candidates for the party’s top post in the June 30 polls.

When asked if he is willing to debate the other contenders for the post of party president, Tengku Razaleigh said he was ready, and challenged other candidates to do the same.

In an immediate response, Khairy agreed to hold a public debate.

In his statement today, Annuar advised both Khairy and Tengku Razaleigh not to fall prey to pressure from outside influences, and to stick to the traditional Umno ways.

“The election in the party is a family affair. It is subjected to rules, ethics, and certain traditions. This is a sensitive matter and should not be exposed to external influence or enemies,” he said.

The Ketereh lawmaker is running for Umno deputy president against former Negri Sembilan menteri besar Mohamad Hasan and another candidate from Pekan Umno. – June 22, 2018.

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Comments

  • THIS is UMNO's idea of "soul searching" and reform. Do not talk about it..

    Posted 7 years ago by Bigjoe Lam · Reply

  • He is so wrong. Parties in developed countries hold televised debates among their candidates. ALL the time..

    Posted 7 years ago by Bigjoe Lam · Reply

  • Tun M don't want to debate you guys because he is not contesting for UMNO President's post.

    Posted 7 years ago by Henry Mancini Jr · Reply

  • Maybe this guy is bodoh on a Friday. Come on, grow up. Debates between candidates is a sign of healthy competition for the good of the party. Seriously, grow up.

    Posted 7 years ago by Gerald Lau · Reply

  • Instead, the very very out-of-date UMNO would do well to invite busy Premier of Malaysia Tun Dr. Mahathir to be their Honorary Adviser even tho' Tun is now on the opposite side. But debating with TDM will give UMNO valuable ideas on how to reform & take a more progressive road ahead, to provide the Pakatan govt with "Checks and Balances" to dissuade PH from ever going astray with any wrong policies..

    Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • Tun Mahatir should send MACC to jail this corrupt politician.

    Posted 7 years ago by Chris Ng · Reply

  • Hello, pakai otak sikit! Dr M has no need to debate with any of you because of your Umno election. Your Umno election has nothing to do with him. Why drag him in? Why are you so fearful to debate publicly with each other? What is there to hide? Annuar Musa, if ever being chosen, will bring Umno to dark ages....like Najib.

    Posted 7 years ago by Peace Maker · Reply

  • He still believe in wala which has killed his ex boss.

    Posted 7 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • Hello , pls have a little bit of senses . You havent finalise your Australian ca$e and now you are talking craps . Bunch of CROOKS!

    Posted 7 years ago by Zureen ariff · Reply